Beachgoers may see bright pink waves Sept. 15, 22–24 and 30, weather permitting

Visitors to Santa Monica Beach may notice the ocean waves turning pink September 15, 22–24 and 30 near the breakwater and pier because of a temporary, non-toxic dye used to study water quality. Researchers from the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering will release the dye in collaboration with The Bay Foundation. The fluorescent rhodamine water tracer dye, which has been used by researchers for many years to understand water movement, will disperse naturally and pose no risk to people, animals or vegetation.

The project builds on a 2024 experiment by the UCLA Coastal Flood Lab and The Bay Foundation, continuing efforts to study how the Santa Monica Breakwater influences ocean circulation and contributes to poor water quality.

Constructed in 1934 to create the Santa Monica Yacht Harbor, the breakwater reduced wave energy and allowed boats to dock in calmer waters. Over time, storms damaged the structure, and by the mid-1980s, it had been reduced to its current height, making it no longer functional as a marina. The rocky breakwater remnants offshore of the pier are visible from the beach, especially at low tide.

“Although the breakwater was badly damaged and the elevation reduced, it still substantially impacts the coastal hydrodynamics and surrounding environment,” said Timu Gallien, an associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at UCLA Samueli and the study’s principal investigator. “For example, the breakwater protects the beach from large waves, keeping the beach wider that it would naturally be.”

The water containing the dye will carry the passive tracer wherever the current leads. If wave conditions are favorable, researchers will release the dye near the breakwater and use monitors to track its movement.

“By following where the dye goes, we will better understand how the breakwater changes the environment around it, providing insight into Santa Monica Beach’s poor water quality,” said Isabella Arzeno Soltero, an assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering at UCLA Samueli and the study’s co-investigator.

Funded by The Bay Foundation, the research team includes project leads Bernabe Gomez, a postdoctoral scholar who will perform the numerical wave modeling, and Gallien’s doctoral student Gabi Carr, who will investigate the eDNA characterization of the breakwater. Alejandro Angel, a Ph.D. student in Gallien’s research group, will conduct circulation modeling while Arzeno-Soltero’s doctoral student Eber Reyes will be involved in data analysis.

“We are proud to support UCLA in this important research,” said Tom Ford, CEO of The Bay Foundation and director of the Santa Monica Bay National Estuary Program. “The findings will help guide efforts to protect and restore this vital coastal ecosystem.”

Established in 1990, The Bay Foundation is a nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to restoring and enhancing Santa Monica Bay and its surrounding coastal waters. Its mission is to improve water quality, conserve and rehabilitate natural resources, and protect the Bay’s benefits and values through collaborative actions and partnerships.

The dye releases have been reviewed and approved by the city of Santa Monica, the California Coastal Commission and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Researchers will be at the site during the experiments to share informational brochures and answer questions from the community.

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

The Red Bull "Origin" event is back again for the 2025 edition in Venice Beach, Ca. with day 1 kicking things off with the Cash 4 Tricks Bowl Jam along with the infamous "Death Race" and of course the legendary fire hydrant "Natas Spin" challenge. Finally we end things with a hectic best trick jam over the hydrant. Day 1 riders include Andy Anderson, Sky Brown, Alex Sorgente, Matt Berger, John Dilo, Kristian Jordan, Torey Pudwill, Brandon Turner, Ryan Decenzo, Ruby Lilley, Santana Saldana and many more....

On Sunday, August 31, 2025, at approximately 4:58 p.m., the Santa Monica Police Department responded to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon near 1615 Ocean Front Walk.

Responding officers located an adult male who had sustained non-life-threatening stab wounds. They provided medical aid until Santa Monica Fire Department personnel arrived and transported the victim to a local hospital.

The assault occurred at the top of a pedestrian staircase connecting Ocean Front Walk to Appian Way. The suspect approached, stabbed the victim multiple times, and fled on foot.

Following an extensive investigation, officers located and arrested Malvin Walker (DOB: May 25, 2001) on the evening of September 3rd in the 1800 block of Ocean Front Walk. Officers assigned to routine patrol recognized Walker and detained him without incident.

Walker was arrested in connection with the stabbing and is being charged with attempted murder (California Penal Code 664/187). He was also booked on unrelated charges, including felony vandalism (no bail) and a $51,000 warrant for battery.

At the time of this release, Walker remains in police custody.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that may assist in the investigation is urged to contact Detective Isaac Reyes at isaac.reyes@santamonica.gov or the Santa Monica Police Watch Commander at 310-458-8427.

THIS IS one of the world’s most respected and longest-running longboard surf contests. Hosted by the Malibu Surfing Association since 1961, the event takes place at the iconic Surfrider Beach—home to some of the most celebrated waves in surf history. This year just over 300 competitive surfers of all ages will be participating:

Red Bull Origin brings skateboarding history to life in Venice Beach with rebuilt versions of legendary spots, from Natas Kaupas’ fire hydrant spin to Gonz’s double kink rail. Watch generations of skaters take on iconic features like the Venice hubba and Pavilion wallride in this live celebration of skateboarding’s legacy and future. Venice has always been a beacon of counterculture, and this event highlights its seismic impact on skateboarding culture worldwide.

Pico Youth & Family Center (PYFC) proudly presents the 5th Annual Santa Monica Classic Car Show on the Santa Monica Pier on Saturday, September 13th from 10am to 4pm.

Lowride for a Cause. All proceeds will benefit youth services and after-school programming for underserved youth in Santa Monica and Los Angeles County.

Last year, more than 3,000 people attended this family-friendly event. The event is free for all spectators and guests on foot. This year, over 200 classic cars of various makes and models, some dating back to 1930’s will be on display.

All Solo Riders and Classic Car Clubs can register now for $50 or for $60 at the Pier (Day of event).

Roll-in Time: 7am to 9am, will be strictly enforced.

For more information, please email us at carshow@picoyouth.org

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

Topanga Canyon Boulevard (SR-27) will be restricted to one-lane traffic from 10 p.m. Friday to 8 a.m. Saturday between Mulholland Drive to Happy Trail for striping.

The areas of one-way traffic may adjust. Crews will post signage ahead of closures.

For more news, updates and traffic conditions on PCH and other local beachside roads, Click Here.

Pacific Coast Highway will be reduced to one lane in each direction south of Big Rock Drive in Malibu from 7PM to 5AM the night of Friday 9/5 to shift lanes, stripe & place k-rail for a retaining wall project.

For more news, updates and traffic conditions on PCH and other local beachside roads, Click Here.

The Westside Classics Car Show at Venice Beach on Labor Day Weekend 2025

Afternoon Venice Beach Pop Up Punk Show: Purple Fade

Skateboarding’s origin story could not be described without mention of the sunny streets and vibrant culture of Venice Beach, California. In the 1970s, the Santa Monica/Venice Beach area (also known as Dogtown) became a breeding ground for the Z-Boys and similar groups, birthing the punk and skate subcultures that reverberate through skateboarding today.

Now, in the present day, Venice remains a beacon of counterculture, drawing the next generation of skaters to its storied shores. Join us as we pay homage to the pioneers and iconic spots that have carved the way at Red Bull Origin, a challenge-focused event format set against the backdrop of iconic Santa Monica and Venice Beach skate spots meticulously replicated for an unforgettable session.

Participating Red Bull athletes: Ryan Sheckler
Jagger Eaton
Jamie Foy
Torey Pudwill
Jake Wooten
Ryan Decenzo


Friday, September 5th 5:00PM Bowl Jam + Tombstone Best Trick at Venice Beach Skatepark
6:00PM Head-to-Head Death Races at Venice Beach Skatepark
7:00PM Fire Hydrant Challenge + Best Trick at Windward Plaza

Saturday, September 6th 10:30AM Registration and Practice at the Venice Beach Basketball Courts
12:30PM Wall Ride Showdown + Best Trick at the Venice Beach Basketball Courts
2:30PM Registration and Practice at Windward Plaza
3:30PM Main Event at Windward Plaza (Live on Atmosphere TV)
5:30PM Best Trick Competition at Windward Plaza (Live on Atmosphere TV)
7:00PM Red Bull Origin After Party at Belles Beach House Sunday, September 7th

11:00am Public Session 1 at Windward Plaza (Waiver Required)
12:30pm Public Session 2 at Windward Plaza (Waiver Required)
2:00pm Public Session 3 at Windward Plaza (Waiver Required)

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

Malibu Classic & “Noserider Invitational” Sept 6-7th Surfrider Beach

The MSA Classic is one of the world’s most respected and longest-running longboard surf contests. Hosted by the Malibu Surfing Association since 1961, the event takes place at the iconic Surfrider Beach—home to some of the most celebrated waves in surf history. This year just over 300 competitive surfers of all ages will be participating:

Malibu Surfing Association (MSA), WindanSea (WSC), Oceanside Longboard Surf Club (OLSC), Hope Ranch Surf Club (HRSC), Ventura Surf Club (VSC), Japan Rise Surfing Association (RSA), Canadian Longboard Surf Club (CLSC), East Coast Surf Club (ECSC), Australia Longboard Surf Club (ALSC), Pedro Point Surf Club (PBSC)

Each year, the MSA Classic draws elite longboarders from around the globe to compete on First Point’s legendary right-hand break. The event is not only a showcase of style, skill, and sportsmanship but also a celebration of surfing’s rich heritage. With over six decades of history, the Classic continues to unite generations of surfers in a shared commitment to the traditions and community values that define the sport.



Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

Escape to the 1st Annual Santa Monica Pier Fundraiser September 6

The Santa Monica Pier Corporation (SMPC) invites the community to celebrate an evening of connection, cocktails, and purpose at its inaugural fundraising event, “A PIERfect Benefit,”. A PIERfect Benefit will take place on Friday, September 6 from 3:30 to 7:30 PM inside the historic Merry Go-Round Building.

Guests will enjoy signature cocktails, curated appetizers, live entertainment, and engaging programming that reflects the Pier’s vibrant past, present, and future. All proceeds will benefit SMPC’s mission to keep the Pier magical, meaningful, and accessible for all. Funds raised will support future free events and maybe even the return of beloved concerts on the Pier deck.

Additionally, 10% of all ticket sales will be donated to Pali Strong Foundation, a community-led effort providing direct relief to those affected by the recent Palisades Fires.

Tickets are now available Click Here .

“This event kicks off a new tradition for one of the most iconic places in California,” said Jim Harris, Executive Director and Historian of the Santa Monica Pier Corporation. “We’re not the City—we’re a nonprofit with heart, and we rely on the generosity of the community to continue curating the Pier experience for locals, visitors, and admirers alike.”

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

The Reel Inn Malibu was destroyed in the Janaury 7th Palisades Fire, then a month later, their lease expired. This month, California State Parks told the owners their lease wouldn’t be renewed.

“California State Parks recognizes the importance of how the return of beloved businesses can symbolize progress in recovery and a return to normalcy,” a spokeswoman for the department said.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is has been using the site as a staging ground to restore the Pacific Palisades electric grid. They expect to use that site for two years.

California State Parks told the owners of the Rell Inn that they could apply to possibly operate a food truck on their former location.

Projects to restore and protect Dockweiler, Zuma and Redondo beaches for future generations are moving ahead, thanks to $5.1 million in Measure A funds, the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors (DBH) announced.

“We’re working with nature to protect what matters most: the beaches that connect us, support our ecosystems, and serve our communities,” DBH Director Gary Jones said. “These projects reflect our commitment to resilience, preservation, and equity.”

The grant from the Regional Park and Open Space District (RPOSD) will fund the next phase of planning and design of “living shoreline” projects at each of the three beaches. DBH launched the projects in 2024 and is close to finishing a feasibility study that helped shape their design.

“Measure A was created by L.A. County voters to ensure every community has access to safe, healthy, and resilient public spaces,” said Norma E. García-González, Director of the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation and Director of the Regional Park and Open Space District. “These living shoreline projects are a powerful example of how we can work with nature to protect our coast, strengthen climate resilience, and preserve public beach access for generations to come. By investing in science-based, community-driven solutions, we’re making sure our coastline remains a place of connection, recreation, and refuge for all.”

Living shoreline projects use native plants to restore dunes and shoreline habitats that naturally protect the coast from rising seas and stronger storms. By protecting the coastline, the projects will also ensure public access to the beach—especially for families and communities who rely on these spaces for relaxation, recreation and relief from extreme heat—for years to come.

RPOSD approved over $5 million in Measure A funding for the planning and design phases of three projects:

Zuma Beach Living Shoreline Project, Malibu: $3.1 million Widen the beach, create new dune habitat, and enhance existing dune habitat. Sand placed at Zuma Beach is expected to naturally migrate downcoast and widen Point Dume Beach.

Dockweiler State Beach Living Shoreline Project, Playa del Rey: $230,000 Add low sand barrier along the bike path to keep sand out of parking lots and restore and enhance existing dune habitat by installing sand fencing, removing non-native species, seeding with native plants, and building new access paths

Redondo Beach Living Shoreline Project, Redondo Beach: $1.7 million Widen the beach between the Redondo Beach Pier and Topaz groin and create new dune habitat

Each project will now move into design development and environmental review, with an aim to start construction in the coming years. Community engagement will be a key part of the process—including public meetings, email updates, and presentations to local groups—to ensure transparency and help shape the design of each project.

The living shoreline projects are key pieces of DBH’s broader Coastal Resilience Initiative to protect beaches through science, partnerships and public participation.

On Sunday, August 31, 2025, at approximately 5 p.m., Santa Monica Police officers responded to reports of a stabbing along Ocean Front Walk near the Santa Monica Pier.

Santa Monica Code Enforcement officers were first on scene and discovered a man bleeding from multiple wounds. They applied first aid and worked to stop the bleeding until firefighters arrived.

The victim, an employee of a nearby restaurant, had reportedly been eating lunch outside on the steps near his workplace when a man believed to be homeless allegedly approached from behind and stabbed him three times before fleeing east toward Ocean Avenue, according to a witness.

Santa Monica Fire paramedics provided further treatment, and the victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital. His injuries appeared to be non-life-threatening.

Witnesses reported seeing the suspect around the restaurant area for several days prior to the incident, though a motive remains unclear. Police are actively investigating and searching for the assailant.

The Temporary Skate Park is located at 24250 Pacific Coast Hwy and is open from 8:00 AM to Sunset.

The last day to skate at the Temporary Skate Park is Monday, September 1, 2025. The park will close permanently to complete construction on the Permanent Skate Park.



The Temporary Skate Park equipment will be sold at surplus. To bid on skate park equipment, Click Here

Submit a bid form by Wednesday, September 3, at 4:00 PM

Bid on skate equipment or Skatelite

Purchaser is responsible for removal

Payment must be finalized before equipment is removed

Purchaser must sign a City of Malibu waiver and release agreement prior to the final sale

Accepted forms of payment include cash, cashier's check, and credit card (processing fee will be applied)

All purchased equipment must be removed between Friday, September 5, and Sunday, September 7, at 4:00 PM "

Click Here to bid.